David Norris (Independent) | Oireachtas source

Or mad Mr. Obama. I agree that he is getting crazier all the time - drones and all that but that is a side issue. Any measure that would worsen the situation and lead either to greater mortgage difficulties or ultimately homelessness should be looked at very carefully. For the benefit of Senator Mooney who is anxious to know my sources, this was from the Irish National Organisation of the Unemployed. In its submission on the Bill, it said:

There has been much discussion on the challenging issue of mortgage debt facing so many people. A range of solutions have been put in place and it will take time to ascertain if the most recent developments have the capacity to make the progress that is so badly needed. The income from Mortgage Interest Supplement can play an important role in supporting unemployed people to maintain a roof over their heads and its discontinuance will throw up considerable challenges for these families. The Government's concerns that a short-term support has morphed into a long-term one should be addressed in alternative manner: leaving people struggling further with the stark realities of being unemployed is not in Ireland's interest.

I agree with Senator Mooney when he quoted from the submission from FLAC. There is a very valuable recommendation that it should be retained until the Central Bank can demonstrate evidence that the banks, of whom there are fewer and fewer, can address the matter. Large international banks are withdrawing from the country and there are only about two of our own crippled banks left. We should consider waiting until banks can show that they are actually in the business of assisting people in some way. Otherwise, we are just leaving people stranded. That would certainly concern me.